Eskaton Leadership
Sheri Peifer
President & Chief Executive Officer
Sheri Peifer, MSG, is Eskaton’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Peifer leads strategic growth and innovation, operational excellence and partnership development for the organization to meet the increasing demand for high-quality senior living solutions. Ms. Peifer joined Eskaton in 2005, and since 2014 served as Chief Strategy Officer expanding management services and affiliations, joint ventures, partnerships, marketing and communications. She is a graduate of the national LeadingAge Leadership Fellow program, based in Washington, D.C., and serves as Chair of the LeadingAge California Board of Directors. Ms. Peifer holds a BA from Messiah College and a MS in Gerontology and Education from California State University, Sacramento. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons.
Mark Jenkins
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Mark Jenkins is Eskaton’s Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Jenkins comes to Eskaton with an excellent track record of accounting, auditing and managing a growing portfolio of services within nonprofit organizations. Initially with experience as Senior Associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers and then eight successful years at VSP Vision Care in Sacramento. Mark is a licensed CPA, and he brings a diverse set of skills to Eskaton as we strategically grow our Northern California footprint. An alumnus of California State University Sacramento and well-connected in the finance industry, Mark brings a strong commitment to professional services and managing multiple partnerships. He enjoys the outdoors and snowboarding in Lake Tahoe.
Tom Garberson
General Counsel
Tom Garberson is Eskaton’s General Counsel. Tom fills a variety of diverse roles, including legal and strategic advice for the executive team, supporting and training leadership in Eskaton’s communities, and risk management. Previously, Tom was a partner at Low McKinley Baleria & Salenko, LLP in 2012. As a member of the firm, Tom defended assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and healthcare professionals in civil cases, professional licensing actions, and appeals. Tom’s litigation experience is invaluable in identifying risks, improving systems, and providing training and guidance in difficult situations. The end result is safer operations and better outcomes for residents and operators alike. He currently sits on the Senior Citizens’ Commission for the city of Davis, California, as an advocate for older adults in the community.
Trish Bayless
Director of Human Resources
Trish Bayless is Eskaton’s Director of Human Resources. She has over 30 years of diverse human resources experience, 18 within non-profit senior living. Proficient in all areas of HR, Trish’s strengths are in communication and relationship building, management coaching and support, employee relations, training and development, and legal compliance. Certifications include HRCI Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM-SCP, Senior Certified Professional and most recently Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida, MUMA College of Business. Trish is a proud mom to a wonderful son and two dogs. She likes to travel and explore new hobbies when not enjoying the pool.
Tristin Benjamin
Senior Executive Director, Greater Sacramento Region
Tristin Benjamin has dedicated over 18 years to Eskaton, holding various leadership positions including Director of Resident Services and Executive Director at Eskaton Land Park. As Senior Executive Director, Tristin oversees multiple Eskaton communities in the greater Sacramento County region. Before joining Eskaton, Tristin attained a BA in Sociology from CSUS in addition to her RCFE Administrator certification. Tristin has also completed the Leading Age of California Emerge Leadership Development program and is currently a LeadingAge National Fellow in the Larry Minnix Leadership Academy, exploring opportunities in middle-market senior retirement communities. She resides in West Sacramento with her husband, two children, a chihuahua and two cats.
Elizabeth Catron
Vice President of Affordable Housing
Elizabeth Catron is Eskaton’s Vice President of Affordable Housing. She has worked in senior living for over sixteen years and joined the Eskaton team in 2006. Elizabeth assures quality and compliance with current federal, state and local guidelines and regulations that govern the subsidized housing programs. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Sacramento. Elizabeth is a Registered Housing Manager through the National Center of Housing Management, a graduate of the EMERGE LeadingAge CA Leadership program and member of the LeadingAge California Affordable Senior Housing Cabinet. Elizabeth enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two boys in various activities such as hiking, kayaking and biking.
Charles Garcia
Chief Information Officer
Charles Garcia is Eskaton’s Chief Information Officer. Bringing over 26+ of experience in the technology sector, Charles is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of all Eskaton IT systems and electronic needs. Garcia joined Eskaton in April 2002 and has held several other positions including network manager and director of information technology. Charles holds a bachelor’s in information technology. Prior to Eskaton, he worked with several multi-national companies, including Hewlett Packard, 3Com and Northrop Grumman. Charles enjoys coaching baseball and football and riding all types of two-wheeled bikes along with his family.
Jennifer Marlette
Executive Director of Quality Improvement
Jennifer Marlette, MSN, RN, CNL is the Executive Director of Quality Improvement. Jennifer’s has extensive leadership experience in post-acute settings, including skilled nursing, residential living, and home healthcare. She holds a DON certification from both NADONA and LeadingAge, Infection Preventionist training through CAHF and the CDC, and is also a graduate of the California LeadingAge Emerge Fellowship Academy. Jennifer’s educational background includes a Master of Science in nursing and an AACN certification in Clinical Nurse Leadership through Touro University. Additionally, she is part-time faculty at California State University, Sacramento in the gerontology department. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family.
Zach Melchiori
Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Brand Management
Zach Melchiori is Eskaton’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Brand Management. He has over 15 years of experience developing and executing marketing campaigns for brands both large and small. Prior to his role at Eskaton, Zach served as Director of Marketing at Pebble Beach Company where he oversaw all brand and consumer marketing for the resort. Before Pebble Beach, he worked agency-side in media and digital strategy roles, on everything from large global brand campaigns to websites for local non-profits. Zach is an alumnus of California State University Sacramento. He enjoys playing golf, running, surfing, spending time with his wife and chasing around his kids.
Dave Peper
Regional Director of Operations, Bay Area Region
Dave Peper is Eskaton’s Regional Director of Operations, overseeing the Bay Area region. He has worked in the senior living industry for fifteen years, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. He has managed up to 7 communities including multiple acquisitions. Dave graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire with a BS in Mathematics, a minor in Business Administration, and an emphasis in Actuarial Science. He is a certified RCFE administrator, was vice chair of the Certified Bond Oversight Committee for the Fremont school district, and board member for Rose of Sharon Senior Home. He has a strong commitment to customer service and enjoys traveling and outdoor activities.
Alicia Rist
Senior Executive Director, Sierra Foothills Region
Alicia Rist brings 20 years of senior living experience, including 11 years as an Executive Director at communities throughout Northern California. At Eskaton, she currently serves as a Senior Executive Director where she oversees Eskaton communities in Roseville, Granite Bay and Grass Valley. Alicia is focused on improved workplace culture, resident satisfaction, first impressions, change management and standardization. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Phoenix and is currently holds a certificate in life coaching with a specialization in career coaching.
Erin Scherer
Vice President of Capital Assets & Strategic Projects
Erin Scherer is Eskaton’s Vice President of Capital Assets & Strategic Projects and brings over 13+ years of experience in capital planning and budgeting as well as project management with construction and design for Eskaton’s 30+ locations throughout Northern California. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist through the National Association of Home Builders. Erin has presented at conferences around the nation including DWELL on Design and Leading Age California. She enjoys hiking and the outdoors with her husband.
Dan Seiler
Vice President of Finance
Dan Seiler is Eskaton’s Vice President of Finance. Dan is an active Certified Public Accountant with experience in public accounting, financial forensics, and corporate finance. Prior to joining Eskaton Dan spent nearly 15 years working with a diverse clientele of for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations, including developers of subsidized housing for low-income seniors. Dan graduated with honors from California State University, Sacramento, with a degree in Business Administration, emphasis in Accountancy, and launched his professional career with Ernst & Young’s audit practice upon graduation. Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three sons, volunteering as an Assistant Scoutmaster in his son’s scout troop, and serving as a volunteer member of the Yolo County Search and Rescue team.
Beth Vandenberg
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
Beth Vandenberg is the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and the Board of Directors. Her diverse professional background allows her to provide executive-level support and assist with complex, detail-driven projects. Beth holds a variety of certifications, including in Presentation Development, Leadership and Coaching, and Pragmatic Marketing. Her skill set is essential for supervising meetings and events involving Eskaton members and the Board of Directors, making certain that each detail receives careful attention. In her spare time, Beth enjoys spending time with her loved ones and immersing herself in the beauty of the outdoors.